A Split Personality - Life as a Member Of the National Guard

Serving as a member of the National Guard member gives me the freedom to serve my county and still lead a civilian life. My National Guard obligations only require me to report for drills once a month which enables me to continue to hold down a civilian job.

On my drill weekends, I drive two hours from home to the Kingston Armory located in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I, along with my fellow soldiers, don a pair of combat boots and light colored dessert camo's. We practice warfare tactics, take part in physical training, and listen to military briefings. We are also trained to use our weapons properly and many other necessary military things.

During the week, I am a single mother. My civilian life is very different from my military life. Being only 20 years old, I like to wear cloths considered fashionable by my age group. I have a tattoo bearing my children's names above my heart. Often you will find me running around barefoot. When I am not being mommy I like to spend time with friends and do things typical of my age group.

I am currently on maternity leave so I am a freelance writer. I did work in the retail field, which is far removed, from my military training. My MOS, military occupation specialty, is medic. Once I complete my military training, I am hoping to obtain a job as an EMT.

This is very typical of National Guard and Reserve soldiers. Another example would be Congressman Christopher Carney, who also serves in the reserves and drills once a month at the pentagon.

I choose the National Guard when looking into a military career for specifically that reason. I can serve my country while still having a civilian life. I am stationed out of Scranton, which is not far from my hometown, so I did not have to relocate. Having small children I did not want to go straight active duty. I still felt I had an obligation to my country so I enlisted. I am here and ready should the military call me up for active duty.